Investigating brain imaging markers related to vascular contributions to cognitive decline and dementia.
Official title: Physiological imaging markers in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID)
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10994171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with small blood vessels in the brain can affect thinking and memory in older adults, and it aims to find new ways to spot these issues using special MRI scans that measure brain oxygen levels, so we can better help those dealing with cognitive decline and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,865 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085299-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline, particularly those with vascular cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairment not related to vascular issues or those with other types of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how small-vessel-related vascular issues contribute to cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly in older adults. It aims to develop new biomarkers that can help diagnose and monitor these conditions by using advanced non-invasive MRI techniques to measure brain oxygen levels. By extending existing classification systems for dementia, this research seeks to improve the identification and treatment of patients suffering from vascular cognitive impairment and related dementias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients with vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using physiological markers for diagnosing and monitoring dementia, suggesting that this approach could be impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Hanzhang — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Hanzhang
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A. study will look at how blood lipid patterns, neighborhood deprivation, and small vessel brain changes relate to vascular cognitive impairment and related dementias in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.